Understanding Virginia's New Gun Laws
Virginia has joined states like California and Massachusetts in passing some of the country's most restrictive gun laws. These new regulations will apply beginning July 1, 2026 and will ban the future sale, manufacture, or importation of "assault firearms" as defined by HB217.
Under the ban, Virginia residents who lawfully possessed prohibited firearms prior to July 1, 2026 are grandfathered in. This means that if you live in Virginia and own an affected "assault firearm" before the new laws go into effect, you are not prohibited from possessing those items after July 1, 2026.
It's Not Too Late To Get An AR-15 In Virginia
You get to keep what you buy today, so grab an AR-15 rifle or pistol while you still can. After July 1, Virginia residents will no longer be able to purchase new "assault firearms" with prohibited features common to the AR platform.
Here are some of our most popular models:
Shop Popular AR-15s
Requirements For VA-Compliant Firearms
Virginia defines an "assault firearm" as any semi-automatic rifle, pistol, or shotgun with the ability to accept more than 15 rounds of ammunition. Firearms that can accept a belt ammunition feeding device are also expressly prohibited.
However, the term "assault firearm" does not apply to antique firearms, C&R-eligible firearms, or firearms that have been rendered permanently inoperable. All manually operated bolt action, pump action, and lever action firearms remain legal.
These provisions do not apply to government agents, law enforcement personnel, or members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Additionally, military spouses who possessed "assault weapons" prior to moving to the Commonwealth and are sent to the Commonwealth under lawful orders are also exempt.
VA-Compliant Rifles
Semi-automatic centerfire rifles with the ability to accept a detachable magazine (not including tube-fed .22 rimfire rifles) are heavily impacted by Virginia's new gun laws. To be considered legal in Virginia after July 1, 2026, rifles must not have any of the following features:
- A folding, telescoping, or collapsible stock
- A pistol grip or thumbhole stock
- Foregrips or protruding grips that can be held with the non-trigger hand
- Grenade launchers
- Threaded barrels
This Springfield M1A model is an example of a semi-auto rifle that will be legal to possess once the assault weapons ban goes into effect.
VA-Compliant Shotguns
Virginia's shotgun laws are a bit more straightforward. Shotguns with revolving cylinders are expressly prohibited, but most other semi-auto shotguns are legal, provided that they do not have any of the following features:
- The ability to accept a detachable magazine
- A folding, telescoping, or collapsible stock
- A pistol grip or thumbhole stock
The MAC 1014 Wood is a popular model that has a fixed magazine capacity under 15 rounds and does not have any prohibited features.
VA-Compliant Handguns
Under the ban, most AR and AK-style pistols are prohibited. Other semi-automatic centerfire handguns must not have two or more of the following features in order to be considered legal:
- Foregrips or protruding grips that can be held with the non-trigger hand
- The ability to accept a magazine that attaches to the pistol outside of the pistol grip
- Barrel shrouds
- Threaded barrels
- A buffer tube, stabilizing brace, or other part that allows the firearm to be shouldered
Many concealed carry pistols, like the Derya DY9Z TR, will remain legal to own.
Why Some Guns Just Became Illegal To Own In Virginia
Virginia's legislature enacted these new laws to further restrict the types of firearms civilians can lawfully possess. In addition to the restrictions above, Virginia has also raised the age to buy handguns to 21 and instituted new safe storage laws aimed at preventing unauthorized access to firearms.
In practice, this legislation has the potential to substantially impact law-abiding citizens across the state and will affect where and how they can exercise their Second Amendment rights.
How To Ensure Your Guns Are VA-Compliant
With under a month left until Virginia's new gun laws take effect, there are some actions you can take today to ensure your guns are VA-compliant.
- Purchase affected firearms today. Your ability to lawfully acquire certain firearms may be impacted once enforcement begins on July 1, 2026.
- Confirm magazine capacity limits for future purchases. Ensure any firearms you buy after July 1 do not have the capacity to hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition.
- Make a plan for safe storage. New legislation may introduce personal liability if an unauthorized individual takes possession of your firearms.
- Review VA laws for concealed carry. Where and how you can carry may change as new laws are introduced.
Although Virginia's new assault weapons ban limits which guns residents can own, it is still possible to exercise your rights within the Commonwealth. Use this guide to help select your next firearm today!
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